Department of Psychology
Music, Sound and Performance Lab
Director: Bill Thompson
In our laboratory we are investigating the cognitive processes involved in the production, perception and enjoyment of music performance. Our recent research focuses on how facial expressions are used to convey structural aspects of music, as well as emotional meaning. This communication is accomplished in music performance by balancing acoustic cues arising from the music with visual cues associated with facial expressions and body movements. Motion capture allows us to investigate the biomechanics of production, advanced motor planning, and motor synchronisation.
Lab Schedule
Macquarie Battery of Emotional Prosody
Available here
Recent News
MSPL paper features in Motherboard article 27 Apr 12
A 2012 paper by members of MSPL has featured in an article published by online magazine Motherboard.
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Fast/Loud Music v Reading Comprehension: The Big Issue 13 Mar 12
Bill Thompson was recently interviewed by Tim Byron as part of an investigation into how music affects… more >>